Sunday Night Free Concerts on Commons Beach, Tahoe City

You could find out by talking to the people spinning in the front row. You may also get a good feel for the event by chatting with the volunteer happily bopping around the crowd with a “Donations” box. Or you could simply watch the families romping on the enormous playground that stretches the length of the concert field. Ask anyone and they’l tell you: The free Concerts at Commons Beach in Tahoe City are a hit!

Every Sunday afternoon just after lunch two strings of bicycles start making their way to town. They come from the North and West Shores of Tahoe to converge on the recently rebuilt park right at the lakeshore. It’s an awesome spot with beach, grass, playgrounds and, yes, a nice bathroom. That’s not to mention the unbelievable view from the entire park. One local character nicknamed The Stinger said, “I hope the bands don’t mind that a bunch of us sometimes have our backs to the stage while we check out the Lake!”

This is an ultimate venue for families because there’s easy access and tons of running room. You can stroll the lakeshore and check out the strange rock formations just east of Commons proper or lift a tike to see over the walls of the old jailhouse (probably one of the smallest in the West). You can walk five minutes to the West and get smart at the Gatekeeper’s Museum and the Dam itself. This is the only outflow for Lake Tahoe and the start of the Truckee River. Five-pound lake trout gather at the dam and the body position of gawkers peering over the side of the road at them have made the place become affectionately known as ‘Fanny Bridge.’

Sailboat Seen from Commons Beach

The Concerts at Commons Beach series are the flagship of a whole slew of events being put on by the Tahoe City Downtown Association. On Fourth of July, the Weekend for Kids at Watson Cabin includes face painting and other activities. The 64th annual TC fireworks will be a highlight – be sure to put a “buck in the boot” when driving through town and a smiling fireman asks for a donation.